Fretwork is an interlaced decorative design that is either carved in low relief on a solid background, or cut out with a fretsaw, coping saw, jigsaw or scroll saw.
Installing elaborate wooden fretworks on residential buildings, known as gingerbread trims, became popular in North America in the late 19th century.
[2] Fretwork patterns originally were ornamental designs used to decorate objects with a grid or a lattice.
Computer numerical control (CNC) has brought about change in the method of timber fretwork manufacture.
Lasers or router/milling cutting implements can now fashion timber and various other materials into flat and even 3D decorative items.